Dnipro-1 vs Apollon Prediction & Tips
Ukraine takes on Cyprus when Dnipro-1 hosts Apollon Limassol in the penultimate matchday of Group E of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL). The debutant side have excelled in the tournament proper (G2, E1) and know that avoiding defeat in this clash will secure them a top-two finish.
Of course, they would prefer a win to keep them in the hunt for top spot, particularly as a decisive clash against Alkmaar looms on matchday six. Progression to second place would also mean an additional knockout game in the play-offs, which could damage Dnipro-1’s narrow three-point lead at the top of the Ukrainian Premier League, having played a game more than nearest challengers Shakhtar Donetsk.
Embarking on their tenth consecutive European campaign, Apollon are currently in third place and three points behind their rivals. Due to their 3-1 defeat in the reverse fixture against each other, only victory will do if they are to maintain their dreams of a first ever European competition playoff appearance. However, that will not be easy as they have won just once in their last five away games (E3, P1), drawing 1-1 against Olympiakos Nicosia in domestic action last Friday.
They will be boosted by a 1-0 win over current group leaders AZ Alkmaar in their most recent UECL match, although this was only Apollon’s second win in their last 11 European clashes (E4, L5). There is little reason for positivity when looking at their form their performance away from home in matches corresponding to group stage of European competitions, having lost ten of their last 14 such matches (G2, E2), so all will have to be on deck if they are to secure a crucial win in this fixture.
Players to watch: Dnipro-1 striker Artem Dovbyk is the top scorer in this competition prior to this match (G4) and scored an injury-time winner against Vaduz in their last UECL encounter (2-1), while Apollon’s Ioannis Pittas will want to make his mark again in away form, having scored in consecutive away matches for Apollon.
Key stat: Dnipro-1 is unbeaten when scoring first this season (G3, E2).
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